Inside the OR: A Conversation with Kelly Gamboa, Associate Chief Nurse, Perioperative Administration

About the Operating Room

Question: Your OR supports a wide range of surgical specialties and trauma care. How does that variety shape the day-to-day experience for your team?

“The wide range of surgical specialties and trauma cases has evolved over the years. Both our case mix and our patient population have changed.  I’ve seen firsthand how quickly equipment and technology have advanced, and that constant evolution is part of what makes working in the OR so exciting. There’s always something new to learn, a new skill to refine, or a new challenge to adapt to. That variety keeps the environment dynamic and affirms the teams commitment to delivering extraordinary care.”

Question: How would you describe the team culture within the Operating Room at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center? What makes this team unique?

“I have always felt that having two distinct OR environments allows individuals with different personalities to find the niche experience that suits them best and the patients they are most passionate about caring for. The culture is inclusive and deeply committed to our patients.”

Question: How would you describe the pace and teamwork that define a typical day in the OR?

“Working in the OR means thriving in organized chaos, where communication and collaboration keep everything running safely and smoothly.”

Question: Can you tell us a little about the size and structure of the OR team? 

“Our ORs are supported by a large, diverse team that includes hundreds of nurses, surgical technologists, and essential support staff. Even with that scale, our two separate OR departments maintain a strong sense of community. It’s a unique balance we have, in which we operate within a major level‑one academic medical center, yet the day‑to‑day environment still feels close‑knit, collaborative, and connected.”

Growth & Development

Question: How do you support ongoing learning, skill development, and professional growth for OR nurses and surgical technologists?

“Through our Magnet designation, we have enhanced our Nurse Fellowship Program to strengthen an evidence-based approach to practice. We also support continuing education through tuition reimbursement, along with a variety of pipeline programs for internal candidates interested in joining the operating room.”

Leadership Perspective

Question: How would you describe your leadership approach when it comes to supporting your team?

“I have always described our leadership team as benevolent and I believe our open door policy with any staff member is our approach to encouraging open dialogue with staff.”

Question: What qualities do you appreciate most in team members who thrive in this environment?

“I call it the good citizen rule for success. First the team needs to be dependable and reliable, second you need to have a positive outlook and third you need to be a strong clinician who will always put the patient first.”

Personal Insight

Question: Can you share a moment in the OR that made you especially proud to be part of this team?

“When I was a staff nurse, it was the feeling that someone always had your back.  If ever you looked like you needed help there was a colleague who would stop what they were doing to help.  As a leader I want to ensure my nurses feel supported from all levels of leadership.”

Question: Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time? What activities or interests help you reset outside of work?

“I enjoy being outside as much as possible. Hiking, gardening or being out on the water makes me happy.”

Looking Ahead

Question: If you could describe your OR team in one sentence to a professional considering a move, what would you say?

“We work in a collaborative and inclusive environment which allows us to focus solely on patient care.”

Question: What advice would you give to someone thinking about making a career move to the BIDMC Operating Room?

“I have spent my 21 year career at BIDMC, giving a great deal to this organization and receiving just as much in return. This is a place where you can grow and continually reinvent yourself, as an evolving and ever-changing healthcare system offers endless opportunities for those seeking new challenges.”